Tire valve



Aug. 17, 1943.

o. w. HosKl-NG TIRE VALVE Filed July 23, 1940 -2 Sheets-Sheet 2 HHU lll S1 Patented Aug. 17, 1943 Products 'Corporation Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecti- Composite cut Rubber Application'July 23, 1940Sera1'-No. 346,926

17 Claims.

The present invention relates to a valve stem comprising a valve for use in conjunction with air containers, especially with inflatable articles, such as tires. l

It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve stem of relatively simple, inexpensive, and rugged construction, having a minimum of movable parts which will not readily wear out, and which may be conveniently manufactured by rubber molding processes.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a valve stem, wherein the use of springs is unnecessary to effect closure of the valve.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve stem which is adapted to receive a valve insides' or insert of the conventional type, to replace the special valve parts herein provided.

It is also an object to provide a valve stem which may be readily assembled without undue distortion of the parts thereof, and in which replacement of faulty parts may be readily eected.

It is a feature of thefpresent invention'that resilient rubber isprovlded as a means for effecting closure of the valve,whereby the necessity for the use of springs is eliminated. A further feature of one form of the invention is a construction, whereby the resilient rubber which effects -openedy i In one form of the invention, the metal parts. Vengage 4each otherrin telescopic relation,V and the resilient rubber mass is joined to them in the of the metal parts with respect to each other, whereby the valveclosure isremoved from the valve seat and the passage through the bore is form of a covering or sheath, which constitutes the outer body of the valvestem, and provides means for attaching the stem to an airreceiver. In another form of the invention, the' metalparts are disposed in spaced relation with respect to each other and the resilient rubber which joins them is disposed within the intervening space. Means are preferably provided to permit removal of thevalve closure for purposes of replacement, and, if desiredfthe metalparts maybe so constructed that the part carryingv the valve seat to which the'resilient rubber is attached isalso removable, whereby replacement of the valve seat is also made possible.

The bore of theA orice and -valve seat ofv the lstem may be so constructed as toV receive a valve insides of .the conventional type, so thatin an emergency, upon failure of the valve closure to .seat properly, the said closure may be removed valve closure, also forms the ,body of the valve Y stem. This construction simplies the structure of the article.

In case of failure'of the valveparts provided,v

a conventional valve linsert may be used to replace the valve closure used in the present construction in emergencies. f

Other features and advantages of the ,present invention will hereinafter appear.`

The valve stern according to the present invention comprises, in its broader aspects, two

metal parts forming the body vof the stem, whichk are joined together in airtight relation and provided with connecting bores forming a passage for -air to communicate with an airreceiver to which the stem maybe attached. 'I'he other end of the bore constitutes an orifice, whereby air. may be admitted or released from the air receiver.

One of the said metal parts is provided with avalve closure, and the other with a valve seat within the air passage, adapted to register with said valve closure. A mass of resilient rubber is provided, joining said metal partsin such a manner that the valve closure is resiliently urged `under pressure against the valveseat, thereby closing the passage through the connectingbores.

. The rubber mass permits resilient displacement vand' replaced by a conventional spring-operated kvalve insert. K n

Preferably the movable portions of thefvalvev stem are protected in use by a rigidl metal cover to avoid accidental opening of the valve by contact with external objects `and to prevent access of dirt to the valve seat.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate v -several forms of the valve stem according-to the present invention, y

f Figure 1 is a cross section of a valve stem,

construction shown in Fig. 5, adapted to receive a long conventional valve insides.

Fig. 2 is a crossv section of a valve stem similar to that shown in Fig. l, but provided with a valve closure according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a cross section of the valve shown in Fig. 2, showing the position of the parts when V,the valve is opened topermit the passage of air through the stem.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectionsimilar-to Fig. 3 of a valve stem showing a modification of the Valve seat and' valve closure, the parts being in posiof air through the Fig. 7 is a cross section of a third form of al valve stern, wherein the metal parts are engaged in telescopic relation and enclosed by a resilient rubber sheath, and wherein the bore is adapted to receive a valve insert of the conventional typer which is shown in position.

Fig. 8 is a cross section of a valve stem of the type shown in Fig. 7, showing one form of valve closure according to the present invention, the parts of the stem being in position to permit passage of air through the stern.

Fig. 9 is a cross section of a valve stem similar to that of Fig. 8, of telescopic construction, showing a variation of the valve closure, and the position of the parts when the valve is closed.

Fig. 10 is a view of the valve stem shown in Fig. 9 with the parts in their positions with the valve open.

Fig. 11 is an elevation of the insert used in the valve construction shown in Figs. 7 to 10, and indicates the portion 59 ol the insert which is tinned or otherwise prepared so as not t adhere to the body of the stem when the rubber vthereof is vulcanized about the insert.

Fig. 12 is a View similar to Fig. 7, but showing the relative proportions of the parts when the valve is constructed to take a long conventional valve insides.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the valve stem comprises a tubular metal base portion Ill, the external surface of which is firmly secured at one end to a flangelike rubber base II. The rubber flange provides a means for securing the valve stem to an air container such as the inner tube of a rubber tireto which the flange may be vulcanized. v A shoulder I2 provides a support to reenforce the bond between the rubber flange and said metal base portion. y

The projecting end of the metal base portion I0 is provided with external threads I3 which are adapted to enga-ge a lock nut I4. By means of said lock nut, the base of the valve stern may be clamped to a suitable frame, for instance, a

Vtire rim I having arl-opening through which the valve stern extends.

The bore I6 of said metal base portion IO is threaded adjacent the lower end thereof, as shown at I T, in order to receive a correspondingly threaded metal plate I8. The said plate is provided with a plurality of cavities or indentations I9 at its edges, forming passages communicating with thebore I 6 of the metal base portion I3, when the insert I3 is secured therein. The said plate is likewise provided with a central tapped hole to receive one end of a valve closure.

Referring now toFigs. 2 and 3, the valve closure 2| comprises a stem 22 threaded at its lower end 22a, whereby it may be screwed into the tapped hole 23 of the metal plate I8, and rigidly held thereby. The upper end of the stem 22 carries a. metal head 23. A layer of rubber 24 is adherently secured to the under surface of the head, to provide a seal for engaging a valve seat. A transverse slot 25 on the upper surface of the head 23 is adapted to be engaged by a screw driver 0r similar tool, in order to screw the stem 22 into the tapped hole 2S er to remove it therefrom.

In Fig. 4, a. modified valve closure 23 is provided, having a stein 2l similar to the stem 22. The head .28 is provided -around its lower edge with an annular flange Ztl-Which forms an annular groove'adjacent the stern 2l. An annular rubber gasket 3i) is inserted in the groove to provide a seal for engaging a valve seat. The said gasket may be held within said groove merely by friction, or if desired, it may be adherently bonded to the metal surface of the head 23, as in the case of the valve closure 2I. A slot 3i on the upper surface of the head 28, similar to the slot 25 in the valve closure ZI shown in Figs. 2 and V3, is provided for removing or inserting the valve closure in the metal base portion IG.

A tubular metal member 32 is provided to carry the Valve seat.. One end thereof fits into the metal base portion I0 in spaced relation therewith.. rlhe other end protrudes beyond the said base portion forming an orifice for admitting or releasing air to' or from the valve stem. Within the bore 3d of said tubular metal member, a shoulder 35 is provided forming a valve seat adapted to engage the rubber sealing layer 24 of the valve closure 2i', to close the bore 34 against passage of air therethrough.

An annular layer of' resilient rubber is formed within the annular space separating the adjacent cylindrical inner surface or' the base portion I3 and the outer surface of the tubular member 32. The said rubber layer is securely 'bonded to both metal surfaces, tnus forming an effective seal against escape of air between the two metal parts, and holding the said parts firmly in their relative positions as shown in Fig. 2.

By virtue of its resiliency, the rubber layer 33 permits the tubular member 32 to be displaced axially with respect to the base portion It, as shown inFig. 3, by application of a compressive external force to its protruding end, The resilient rubber layer 33 normally urges the valve seat 35 under pressure against the rubber sealinglayer 24 of the valve closure 2l as shown in Fig. 2 providing an effective seal against passage of air through the stem.. When the insert 32 is depressed as shown in Fig. 3, by application of external force, the Valve seat is moved away from the valve closure 2l, providing a passage for air through, the connecting bores 3d -and I6 of the insert 32 and base portion iti.

vthe shoulder 35 is'preerably provided with .a

tapered surface. 3S adapted to engage a corre- :spondingly tapered surface on a `conventional v4valve insert as shown in. Figs. 1 and lA.

Thus, upon failure of the valveclosure 2| to effectively close the valve, for` instance vdue to pitting of the valve seat 35 or the rubber seal 2t, it may be removed by means of a screw driver or other suitable tool. anda conventional valve insert introduced to replace it. Figs. 1 and 1A respectively show Y conventional short and long valve inserts. The long valve insert 38a .shown in Fig. lA-has its spring tensioning-cup 38h engaged with the bottom of the cup shaped metal base 44a,

The rubber flange is preferably secured by vulcanization to an air receiver, for instance, to the inner tube of a rubber tire.` -In order to admit air to an air receiver, for instance, to 'iniiate a tire'to which the valve stem 'is attached, a chucking nozzle from a source of compressed air is applied by pressing it vagainst theV protruding end of the neck 36. The latter is depressed, `displacing the valve seat 35 from the rubber seal 24 of the valve closure 2|, and air is admitted to the air receiver through the bore of the valve. When the chucklng nozzle is removed ,the rubber layer 33 urges the tubular member l32 upward, engaginggthe valve seat 35 with the valve closure 2|, and forming a` tight seal by means of the rubber layer 24. v In Fig. 4, the tubular Vmetal insert carrying the valve seat is of slightly `different construction in order to adapt it to form a secure contact with the rubber gasket 3|)A which is of somewhat smaller diameter than the rubber layer 24. The shoulder of valve seatr4| is constructed within the bore 42 of the tubular metal member 4U at a constriction of the said bore. The valve seat provided by the said shoulder is thusw of relatively smaller' diameter than the corresponding valve seat 35 in Figs. 1 to 3, whereby it` is adapted to contact the gasket 30 yalong a line substantially equidistant from the edges of the contact surface of` said gasket. In the valve stem shown in the said figure, noprovision is made for receiving, a conventional valve Iinsert as shown in Figs l to 3. `The exterior of the tubular metal member 40 and the manner in which it is secured to the metal base l is similar tov that of the metal member 32 shown in Figs. 12 and 3. The functioningV of the valve stem for admitting or releasing air to or from.

an air receiver, such as a rubber tire to which the valve stern may be attached, is thesame as that hereinbefore described.

shown in Figs. 1 and 2 which engages, at its lower end, the threads I3 on the outer surface' of the tubular metal base portion |0. The cap is pro vided to protect the orifice of the valve stem against access of dirt, and to avoid Ythe possibilityr of accidental displacement of the valver seat from the valve closure by contact of the protruding orifice with externalvobjects.

In order to assemble the valve stem shown 'm Figs. 1 and 4, the metal plate'l8 is screwed into position in the metal base portion I0. `In order to retain it in place, the lower edges of the base |0 may be anged over after it is positioned. 'I'he base of the valve stem is suitably secured to an air container such as a rubber tire rim any rubber part,` which might cause damage, is necessary to assemble the valve stem.

' A modied form of the invention is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The base-portion'of the valve stem comprises a cup-like metal base 44 which isV secured to a rubber b-ase or flange in the same manner as the base portion l0 as described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. The exterior of the base 44 is provided with threads which engage the lock nut |4 for clamping` the base against the frame I5, such as an automobile tire rim through which the Valve stem extends. The bottom of the cup-like base 44 is provided with holes 45 extending therethrough which provide access to the interior of said base portion. A central tapped hole 46 is likewise providedto receive a "Preferably, a metal cap 43 is provided, as A tube. The valve closure 2| or 25 is then screwed into position engaging the valve seat 35 or 4|. The assembled valve ,stem is now introduced into an aperture ina supporting frame such as Va `tire rim l5, and. the lock nut I4 screwed into position clamping it securelyfagainst the said frame. The air receiver may thenl be inflated by means of a chucking devioeas described above, and after inflation of the air receiver, the cap 43'is screwed over the protruding'end ofthe valve-stem. Thus,.no unduedistortlon o! valve closure 2| identical with the valve closure shown in Figs. l to 3. The interior of the base portion 44 is provided with threads 4| extending partway downward from its upper edge and terminating in an annular shoulder 48. A cylindrical metal lining 50 is provided on its outer surface with threads 5| adapted to engage the inner threads 4l' of the cup-like base 44. The lower edge 52 of the metal Ylining 5U is machined to provide anv airtight seal upon engaging the shoulder 48, which is similarly machined. A tubular metal member 32, identicall with that shown in Figs. Zand 3, extends into the bore of the lining 58, in spacedrelaton therewith, and an annular' layer of resilient rubber 49 is interposed betweenV the adjacent surfaces of said metal lining 53 and tubular member 32. The said resilient rubber'layer is securely bonded to the said metal surfaces providing an effective seal against escape ofv air between the lining 5U and the member 32. v

The said rubberlayer normally urges the valve seat 35 against the rubberseal 24 of the valve closure, thereby closing the passage through the valve stem against passage of air, as shown in Fig. 5. However, when an external compressive force is applied to the protruding end of the tubular member 32 to depress it, the rubber layer 49 permits resilient displacement of the said member with respect to the base portion 44 and lining 55, removing the valve seat 35 from the rubber seal Z4 of the valve closure 2 I, and allowing air to pass through the valve stem. By provision ofthethreaded metal lining 50 which is removable from the cup-like base portion 44, the valve seat 35 and resilient rubber layer 49 are likewise removable and may be replaced if damaged .n anyway during use.

In order to assemble the portions of the valve stem as shown in Fig. 6, the base portion 44,

which is secured to an air container by means of therubber flange il, is inserted into an aperture in a suitable frame, such as a tire rim I5,

and the lockV nut |4 screwed into position. The metal lining 50, which is integral with the rubber layer 49 and with the valve seat-carrying mem- :ber 32, is screwed into position until the-lower surface 52 of the metal lining engages the shouli' der 48Y and vforms an airtight closure therewith.

If desired, a layer of rubber cement, a gasket, or other sealing device may be applied to the surface 52 or shoulder 48 in order to insure an airtight seal. The valve closure 2| is then screwed into position and the assembled valve as shown in Fig, 5 is ready for use. 'lts operation is the same as that described for Figs. l to 3.

The tubular-metal member 32 is preferably constructed as `hereinbefore described to permit removal of the valve-closure 2|, and its replacement by a spring-operated valve insert cf the conventional type. v

If desired, a cap 43 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be similarly applied to the valve stem. Likewise, if desired, the tubular metal member 4l)` and valve closure 2G as shown in Fig. 4 may beV substituted in the construction of the valve stem of Figs. 5 and 6, for the tubular member 32 and the valve closure 2| In order to prevent rapid escape of an' if a leak develops at the junction between the metal lining 5S and the cup-like base portion 44, the resilient rubber layer 49 is extended below the edge 52 of the metal lining 50 in the form of a thin cylindrical flange 54. The interior diameter of the cup--like base portion 44 below the shoulder 43 is constructed the same as the outer diameter of said rubber ange 54, but is provided with an annular groove 53 surrounding said flange when the valve stem is assembled. Thus,

the groove 53 forms an annular space which is more or less positively sealed by contact of the lower edge of the rubber flange 54 with the inner surface of the metal base 44 below said groove.

If a leak develops at the yContact between the shoulder 48 and the metal lining 5d, air escapes rst from the annular groove 53. The internal pressure within the bore of the valve stem presses the rubber flange 54 against the walls of the groove 53, and thus provides a seal against the further escape of air.

If desired, the resilient rubber layer 49 may be extended in the form of a gasket covering the surface 52 of the metal lining 5i) to insure a suitable airtight closure engaging the shoulder 48.

The various parts of the valve stem shown in Figs. 1 to 6 may be conveniently manufactured by molding processes. I have discovered that rubber articles which are prepared from rubber compounded to adhere to rubber-adherent metal surfaces, may be bonded directly to such surfaces subsequent to molding and vulcanization of the rubber by suitable application of heat and pressure to maintain intimate Contact of the rubber with the metal surface.

Accordingly, the rubber iange Il and thev annular rubber layer 33 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 may be premolded and vulcanized in the usual man ner using a rubber compound adapted to adhere to metal surfaces. stem are constructed of a metal, such as brass or Monel metal, to which the rubber is adapted to be adhered.

rThe flange H, the metal base portion IQ, the annular' rubber layer 33, and the tubular insert 32 are assembled in the positions shown in Figs. 1 cr 2. The resulting article is enclosed in a mold adapted to ccnne at least the rubber portions thercoi, and pressure and heat is applied until bonding of the rubber to the metal surfaces is effected.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the premolded flange vIl vis assembled with the cupi-like base portion 44, .and ille resulting article enclosed within a mold. adapted to confine the rubber. A bond is effected between the flange and the base as just described. Similarly the tubular rubber layer 49 is premoldebi and assembled with the metal lining 59 and the tubular in.. .rt 37.. as shown Fig. 6. The re. "lfing article .is cfzn'dned a mold and the rulcbe;` Lrered to the metal surfaces by suitable applic cn of heat and pressure.

The valve closure may be similarly"manufactured. The rubber sealing layer 24 is premolded, mounted upon the stern 22 in contact The metal parts of the valve Vvalve insert 38 of the conventional type.

withthe'head 23:, and bonded thereto by applica-V tion of heat and pressure ina, mold adapted to connethe rubber.

The rubber gasket 30 shown in Fig. 4 may be similarly premolded and mounted upon the metal portion of the valve closure 26. It may be held by a. friction in the groove formed by the annular flange 29, but if desired, it Ymay also be vulcanized to the metal surfaces in the same manner as valve closure 2|. Thus, all parts of the valve stem shown inFigs. 1 to 6 may be conveniently and inexpensively produced.

Another form of the invention is shown in Figs. 7 to 10` inclusive. rIhey valve stem comprises a cup-like base member 60 provided with holes 6| through the bottom which provide a passagefor air communicating with the interior of the cuplike bore. A centrally located tapped hole 62 is adapted to receive a valve closure. l

In` Figs. 9 and 10, the valve closure 63- is fastened in the tapped hole 62 by means of the threaded end of the stemV 6d, which supports the valve closure. A head 65 is provided on the end of the stem 64, having a transverse slot 6B on its upper surface, .whereby the valve closure may be conveniently screwed into the tapped hole 62, or removed therefrom as desired. A layer of rubber 61' is provided on the lower surface of the head G5 in order to form an airtight seal with a valve seat.

The valve seat is carried by a movable tubular metal member 12, the lower end of which fits telescopically into the cup-like base member 60. Within the bore 13 of the telescopic member 12, a shoulder 14 is formed which'provides `a valve seat adapted to engage the rubber layer 61 of the valve closure when the telescopic metal member is partly withdrawn from the cup-like base 60. The outer end 'l5 ofthe tubular member `'l2 is extended in 'the form of a neck, providing an air inlet-outlet oricewhich is constructed of somewhat larger diameter than the rest of said member in order to permit convenient removal of the valve closure S3 when the valve stem is assembled and isshap'ed to'en'gage a chucki'ng nozzle of the conventional type.

In Fig. 8, amodfic'a'tion 63a of the valve lclosure is shown, differing from valve closure 63 of Figs. 9 and 10, in the'constructon of the head. The head G9 is' provided with a harige l0 which forms an annular' groove adjacentV to the stem 64a. Therubber gasket 'H is inserted in the said groove and may be frictionally held in position as shown in Fig. 8. "Y

The tubular metal meinberlin of Fig. 3 is constructed somewhat differently from the tubular member l2 of Figs; 9 and 10, in order to provide vav valve seat better' adapted to engage the rubber gasket 'l l lof the modified valve closure shown in Fig. 8.' vThe shoulder T5 is constructed of smaller diameter than the shoulder 'I4 shown in Fig. 9, in order to engage the gasket 'Il along a line equidistant from the edges of the Contact surface of said gasket whereby ya more secure sealing con'- tact is obtained. Otherwise, the construction of the telescopic metal part 12a is similar to that of the part 'i2 shown in Fig.r9.

In Fig. 7, the'metal part 72b represents a modification ofthe tubular part T2 of Figs. 9 and 10, whereby the' valve seat is adapted to receive a The outer neck-like extension 15b of the telescopic `member 12b is provided wlth interior threads 11 adapted to engage correspondlngthreads cna 'conventional valve insert 38 as shown, and the 'to rubber-adherent metal surfaces.

` metal surfaces.

shoulder or valve seat 18 is provided with a tapered surface 19 to engage a similar conical surface on said conventional valve insert. Thus, when the valve closure 63, which is adapted to engage the valve seat 18 of Fig. '1 in the same manner as the valve seat 14 of Fig. 9, is removed', a conventional spring-operated valve insert 38 may be substituted therefor, and will perform its function in the usual manner.

In each ofthe valve stems shown'in Figs. 7 to inclusive, a rubber covering or sheath 8D forms theouter body 'of the valve stem. The cov# ering 80 terminatesina flange 8|, whereby the valve stem may be secured to aniair container, such as a rubber tire inner tube. covering 80 is integrally bonded to the outer lcylindrical surface 8,2 of the cup-like base portion 60 and to its upper edges 83, and is similarly bonded to the outersurface of the metal members 13, 16, or 18 against the corresponding rubber layer 61 or gasket f1l of the valve closure. The normal position is shown, for instance, in Fig. 9. However, when pressureis japplied to the outer en d of the telescopic metal parts 12 or 12a, as

for instance upon application of -a chucking nozzle thereto, Vthe said parts are depressed into 'the cup-like base member, displacing the valve seat from the rubber seal of the valve closure'as shown in Figs. 8a`nd 10, and permitting passage of air throughv the valve stem. The rubber-covering 80 bulges resiliently as shown at 81, and the portion which is freelfrom the surface .of the ytubular metal member-12, 12a, or 12b below the 'dotted line 85, 85a or 85D curls from the said metal surface as s hown atl B8. When the pressure is released, the, resiliency of the rubber again'forces the valve seat against the valve closure, closing the Valve against further passage of air. y f

` In order to manufacture the valve stem shown in Figs. '1 to 10 inclusive by molding processes, theV rubber is compounded .to'render it adherent The sheath or .coveringrll with theiiangeriil is premolded and vulcanizedin the desired shape asshown. The metal partsto Whichtherubber is to be adheredare made of a metal to which the rubber The rubber of the long valve insides 38a bears upon the bottom portion of the metal insert 6U moldedin th base portion of the valve stem 80.'

Variations and modications may be made within the scope of this invention and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim: l

1. Avalvestem Vcomprising a metal base member, and a relatively movable metal orifice member joined to said base member in airtight relation, said members having connecting bores providing a passage for air through said stem,'one end of said passage being adapted to communicate with an air. receiver and the other end pro- Viding an oriiice for admitting or releasing air; a removable valve closure carried 'by -said base member; ak valve seat formed within the bore of said movable oriiice member-adapted to register with said valve closure to close thev passage through the valve stem against passageof air therethrough; an internally threaded neck-like Aextension of said orice member forming an air inlet-outlet orifice, and a tapered portion within the bore of Vsaid member, said threaded extenclose the bore against passage of air therethrough,

andV permitting resilient relative displacementA of .said metal members to remove the valve closure from theA valve seat and permit passage ofair` thrcugh'the bore.

2. A valve stem comprising a metal base lmember carrying a valve closure and having a bore v providing a passage forV air through said memmetal oricemember having a bore connected will adhere, such as brass' or Monel metal. In

order to prevent adherence of the rubber'tofthe lower end ofthe metal 'member 1212a or 12b, the lower end 59`thereof below-the dotted line 85, 85q'or 85h is provided vwith a coating of av metal to which rubber will not adhere, for instance, tin. The said parts are then assembled-as shown in Figs. 7 or 9, omitting the valve closure or insert, and Vthe resulting article is introduced into a mold which'Y is adapted lto coniine therubber and maintain intimate contact ofthe rubber with the metal surfaces. Suiiicient heat and pressure is then applied to cause the rubber to bond Vto the yThe valveV closures may be similarly manufactured, as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, and subsequently screwed into the tapped hole G2: of the metal basernember 60.

Inthe construction shown in Fig. 12,A the springLcompressing cup-38h at the lower? end withvthe bore of the base portion to form a passage for air through the valve stem, and carrying withinits bore a valveV seat adapted toreg.- ister with the valve. closure carried by the base member, said tubular metal member iitting into said metal lining in spaced relation therewith; and a resilient body of rubber filling the space between said metal lining and said tubular ori,- ce member, integrally bonded to the metal surfaces thereof to form an' airtight seal between said liningl and ysaid member, normally urging said valve seat vresiliently against the valve closure to close the passage through the valve stem against escape of air therethrough, and permitting resilient displacement of the tubularmember with respect to the base member and lining, whereby the valve closure sremoved from the valve seat'to permit passage of air through the "connecting bores of the base member and` tubular metal oriiice member.

' 3. rAV valve stem comprising a metal base member carrying va valve closure, and having a bore lproviding a passage for' air therethrough; a re-k movable metal lining for said bore; means for retaining `saidlining within said metal base por-- tion; atubular metal orifice member having a bore connected with the bore fof the base portion to form a passage'for air through the valve stem,

-and' carrying within its bore va valve seat'adapted Vto Vregister with the valve closure carried bythe `base member, said tubular metal member-,fitting into4 saidrmetal lining in spaced relation Vtherewithj and a resilient body of rubber iilling thev space 'between said metal lining and said tubular member, integrally. ybonded to the metal surfaces thereof to form an lairtight seal between them, and `also forming a seal against .escape of .air between said lining and said metal base member; said rubber normally urging the `valve seat yagainst the valve closure to close the air passage through the valve stem, and permitting resilient .displacement of the tubular member with respect to said base member andlining, whereby the-valve closufre is removed from the valve seat :to permit `a :passage of air through the connecting bores of the 1base member 'and tubular metal member.

4. A valve stern comprising .a metal base .mem-

ber carrying a removable vazlve closure and havving a bore providing a passage for. `air .therethrough; a tubular metal orice .member ahaving a bore connected with that of .the said 'base member, and carrying a valve seat vwithin said bore adapted to register with the valve closure ,rried by the :base member, said .tubular'meial ymemher tting Yinto the said base member in .spaced :relation therewith; .an internally threaded Ineuk- -like extension non .the end .of said :tubular metal member forming an inlet-outlet ermee for air at the end .of said stem, :and a tapered portion vwithin .the bore .of said member, the threaded extension and tapered surface being adapted to receive a spring-operated valve insert of .the conventional .type when the valve closure is re'- moved, and a resilient 'body lof rublszer -iilling -the space between said base member and said tubular mem-ber, integrally bonded to metal surfaces 'thereof to `form :an airtight seal between them, normally urging said valve seat against .said valvevclosure .to close the air passage, and permitting resilient displacement ci' the 'tubular mem- -ber with respect Vto said ibase member, whereby the valve closure is removed from the valve seat to permit 'passage .of air through the connecting bores of said base member .and tubular member.

l5. A valve 'stem comprising a metal `base mem- -ber carrying .a removable valve closurey and having a bore provid-ing a passage for air therethrough; la removable metal lining for said 'bor-e; 'means for A:ret'aiiiing .said lining in airtight rela- :tion with said metal `base member; a movable `tubular metal orice .member having a 'bore connected with 'that of the base member, carrying 'a valve seat within its bore -adapted .to register Awith the valve kclosure carried by the zbuse member, said tubular member fitting `into said metal .lining in spaced relation therewith; an intermly Vthreaded neck-'like extension of said tubular oriiice member forming yan `air inlet-onwel; orifice, and :a tapered portion wit-hin the .bore .of said member, 'saidthreaded extension and tapered surface 'being adapted Sto receive 'a conventional .swing-.operated valve insert when the valve lclosure 'is removed; `and a mass o! resilient rubber filling the vspace vbetween said A:metal 'lining mid said tubular member, integrally bonded `to the metal .surfaces thereof to form 'an lairtight seal between them, normally urging said valve seat againstl said valve closure to close the passage through the valve stem, and permitting .resilient fpermit -passage of air through vthe connecting -bores rof the vbase member yand `tul'iular metal member.

=6. A valve stem comprising :a Ybody :having two relatively movable .metal parts, one Apart fitting `telescopically into the other, joined together `in l5 airtight .relation by a surrounding layer of resllient .rubber secu-redet each end respectively to the two metal parts.; connecting bores through said metal parts, Yforming a passage for air through the valve stem, one end of said passage being adapted to communicate with an air ieceiver to which the valve stem is attachable, and the' other end providing an on'ce for admitting or releasing air; an internall1 threaded neck-like extension of one of the rnetal parts forming an oriiiice -for said passage, and a tapered portion within the bore of said member, said threaded extension .and tapered bore surface being adapt- .ed .to receive a conventional spring-operated valve insert; a valve seat formedwithin said bore carried by one of said movable metal parts; Aa removable valve 'closure adapted to register with vsaid valve seat carried vby `the other movable metal part; said resilient rubber layer normally 'urging the valve Vclosure under .pressure against the l'valve .seat to close the bore against passage of air therethrough and permitting relative displacement of the metal .parts to :remove .said valve closure from the valve seat, and permit passage vof .air through .the bore, said rubber also sealing the two metal parts against esca-pe of air at their telescopic junction.

'7. In combination with a valve stem as claimed 'in claim 12, Ya metal cap removably secured to the metal :base member and enclosing the tubular metal member, whereby the latter '-is protected against accidental dis-plaieementY which would remove the valve seat lfr'om the val-ve closure and permit; escape of ai-r `through the valve stem.

L8. A valve stem comprising a pair -of relatively movable :concentric-,ally mounted rigid tubular members, the end "of one `member extending beyond the other member to fonn an inlet-outlet orifice at the tip of vthe stem, the bore of the inner member forming a passage through said stem; means for :securing lthe other member to an inflatable air containerv with the base end of said passage communicating with the container; e. lresilient tubular mass of rubber intermediate .1 said members and united to the adjacent lsurfarces thereofA to form a seal Aagainst escape of -a/ir through the annular passage between said members; a perforated transverse wall Vinterme- Adiate the ends vof said yinner member; ya valve -seat vca'rrieil by said wall; and a. `valve closure carried within said passage by the other member adapted Vto cooperate with said seat, outward movement of 4said orifice-forming member from the other member seating said valve closure against the valve seat to close the passage against new of air, therethrough and inward movement of said orifice-forming member unseating the rvaflve closure to open said passage, said resilient mass of rubber normally urging said oriceforming member outward from the base of the stem to close the passage `and yielding to inward -pressure applied tothe orifice member .t0 permit inward motion.

`9. In a valve stem as del-ined in Aclaim .8, a

rigid cap enclosing .the .tip of said orifice-.forming member and removably secured to the .base of the stem to prevent accidental displacement of the orifice member which would unseat .the 'valve closure from the valve seat.

10. A valvestem comprising a pair of relatively movable. rigid .members having .coaligned communicating bores forming .a ,passage through the stem yfrom base to `tip, Vthe Vond of one member .extending 1beyond the other member to form an inlet-outlet `orifice at the lof the stem; means for securing the other member to an inflatable air container lwith the base 'vend of said passage communicating therewith; a resilient annular mass of rubber uniteds'to both of said members to form a seal against escape of air from' said passage between said members; an annular valve seat carried by said orifice-forming member within its bore,'and'facing the tip of the stem; and a valve closure within said`passage removably secured to the other member, outward movement of said orifice-formingl member from the other member seating saidvalveV seat against the valve closure to close -the'pass`age, and inward movement of the orifice-forming member unseating the valve closure yfrom-the kvalve seat to open the passage, said resilient mass of rubber normally urging said orifice-forming member outward to close the passage andyielding to inward 'pressure applied to the orifice member to permit inward motion thereof for opening the passage,

the bore of said orifice-forming Vmember between said valve seat and said orifice being of suicient size to permit removal of said valve closure through the tip of the stein.V

1.1.' A valve stern-comprising a pair cf relatively movable rigid members vhaving coaligned `communicating bores forming apassage through the stem from base to tipy the end of one member extending beyondthe' other member to form an inlet-outlet orifice at the tip of the stem; means for securing the other mernlzierto an inflatable air container with the yb'asefend ofsaid passage communicating Vtherewith;Y a resilient `annular mass of rubbervunited to both of said members to form a seal against escape of air from said passage between said'members; an annular valve seat carried by one of said members within its bore; a valve closurev within said passage removclose the passage and yielding to external force' applied to the orice member in the opposite direction to permit motion thereof forropeningl the passage; and means in the bore of said orince-forming member for receiving and retaining therein when the said removable valve closure member and facing the tipof the stem; and a valve closure within said passage removably secured to the other member, outward movementr ofV said orice-forming member from the other member seating said valve closure against the valve seat to close the passage, and inward move-` mentfof the orifice-forming member unseating the valve closure'from the valve seat to openrthe passage, saidresilient mass of rubber normally urging said orifice-formingy member outward to close the passage and yielding to inward pressure applied to the orifice member to permit inward motion thereof for opening the passage, the rbore of said orifice-forming member between said valve seat and said orificev being of sufcient size to permit removal of said valve closure from the tip of the stem. f

13. A valve Vstem vcomprising a pair-of mutually telescoped, relatively slidable, rigid, tubular members having coaligned communicating bores form ing a passagethroughthe stem from base to tip, the end of one member extending beyond the other forming an'inlet-outlet orice atthe tip-of ythe stem; means for securing the othermemb'er f 'to an inatable air container with the'base end of the passage communicating with the container; a resilient mass of rubber annularly united to the telescoped vend of one member and similarly united to the surface O f the other member at a distance from saidgtendfof the former member to seal the junction of said members against escape of air-from the passage to the exterior of the stem, the rubber between said annularly united. portieri normally holding saidmembers yield'ablyyin predetermined longitudinal relation and beinggfree lto fiex away from said members to permit inward telescopic sliding movement of said orifice member toward Ythe other member; anv annular valve seat within the bore of said orifice-forming mem-y ber, facing the tipk ofthe stem; anda valve closure within said passage removably secured `to the other member, outward movement of said orificeforming member fromthe other member seating said valve closure Yagainst the valve seat to close the passageand inward movement of the orificev formingr member unseating the valve closure from is removed, a valve core of the conventional type v having a tubular barrel with means for engaging the walls of the bore in airtight relation, a valve seat on the barrel, and a Valvemember adapted to cooperate with the valve seat for closing the barrel against escape of air therethrough.

12.7A valve stern comprising apair vof rela-` flatable air container with thebase endtof said passage communicating therewith; a resilient ani nular mass of rubber united to both of said mem-v bers to forma seal against escape of air from said passage valve seat within the bore of said orifice-forming between said members; an annular" the valve seat to open the passage; said freely exible portion of the rubber normally vurging said orice-forming member outward to close the passage and flexing yieldablyr in response to inward pressure applied to the orifice member to permit inward motion of said orifice member to open the passage. l

14. A valve stern yfor an inatable air container comprising a pair of relatively movable concentrically mounted tubular members, the inner of said members having an orifice formed in the bore thereof; alvalve seat at said orifice; a valve carried by the other of said members adapted to engage said seat and close said orifice; means for securing the base of the valve-carrying member to a wall of an infiatable air container with the bore of said inner member in alignment with an opening formed in said wall; and a tubular resilient means coaxially mounted intermediate said vmembers and secured to the adjacent surfaces thereof, said means lling and sealing the annular passage intermediate said members and' normally holding the same in a position wherein said valve is held in engagement with said seat and the orifice closedy said inner member being movable inward by an application of force to displace said valve to open said orifice, Y

15. A valve stem for an inflatable air container comprising a pair of relatively movable concentrically mounted tubular members, the inner A-of said -members having an :orifice formed in the bore thereof; a valve seat at said orice; a reticulated member transversely .secured in the bore of the outer member; `a rigid stemrernovablysecured to said -reticulated Imember and extending through the bore of said inner member andthe orifice formed therein; a valve carried by said stem and adapted to engage said seat to close said orifice; a tubular resilient means coaxially mounted intermediate said members and secured. 4to the adjacent surfaces thereof, Vsaid means .lling and sealing `the annular passage intermediate said members and normally holding the same in a position wherein said seat is held against said valve .and the "orifice closed, said means yielding inwardly upon an application of force applied to said inner member whereby said valve is displaced from said seat to open said orifice; and means for securing Ithe base of said valve-carrying member to a wall of an inatable vair container with the bore of said inner member in alignment with an lopening formed in said Wall.

16. A va'lve stem comprising a pair of relatively movable rigid tubul'ar ymembers having coaligned communicating bores forming a passage through the stem from base to tip, the end -of one member extending beyond the other member to form an inlet-outlet orifice at the tip -of the stem; means for securing the base of the other member to an inflatable air container with said passage ccmmunicating with an opening formed therein; a resilient annular mass of rubber intermediate said members and united to the adjacent surfaces thereof to form a seal against escape of air through the annular space between said members; an annular valve seat in the bore of said orifice-forming member facing the tip of the stem; a spider transversely secured in said passage; a rigid stem removably secured to said spider and coaxially extending through said passage to a point beyond said valve seat; and a valve carried by the free end of said stem and adapted to cooperate with said valve seat, outward :movement of said Yorifice-forming 'member relative to -the other :member moving said valve seat against the valve and fclosing 'the passage against the iiowvof air, inward movement of said orifice-forming'rnember ldisplacing Ythe valve seat from. the valve and opening said passage, said resilient mass of rubber normally urging said orice-forming -member outward relative to said other member Vto close the passage and yielding to inward pressure applied/to the orifice-forming member to .permit inward movement thereof for opening said passage.

1'?. A valve stem forlan inflatable air container comprising a tubular base member having a perforated transverse wall; means secured to said base member adjacent :the closed end for securing the same to the wall ofthe inatable member with -thc perforations-of the end wall coinciding with `an opening formed 'in said wall; a pair of relatively movable concentrically mounted rigid `tubular members; a vtubular resilient means coaxially mounted intermediate said members and secured to the adjacent surface thereof, said means filling .and sealing the annular passage intermediate said members, said so united members being removably secured within the open end of said `first-named tubular member; a rigid pin 'removably secured to said perforated wall and coaxially extending through the passage formed by the `bore of the innermost tubular member; a Valve seat formed in the bore of said innermost member; and a valve carried by the free -end of said pin and adapted to engage said seat to close the passage formed by the bore of said innermost member, said resilient means normally holding the valve seat tightly pressed against `the valve, said resilient means permitting movement of said innermost member upon an application of inward force applied thereto whereby said seat is moved away from said valve and the passage opened, said pin and Y the valvecarried thereby being removable for substitution of a conventional spring operated valve insert.

OAKLEY W. HOSKING. 

